أبناء العم
abna' al-'amm
The English phrase 'cousins' can be translated into Arabic as أبناء العم (abna' al-'amm).
This phrase is used to refer specifically to the male children of one's paternal uncle.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase أبناء العم literally means 'sons of the paternal uncle'.
Which one should you use?
Unlike English, where 'cousin' is a general term, Arabic terms for cousins are both gender-specific and kinship-specific. أبناء العم specifically refers to the sons of a paternal uncle.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes depending on the gender and number of the cousins you are describing. To refer to a single female cousin (the daughter of the paternal uncle), use ابنة العم. To refer to female cousins (the daughters of the paternal uncle), use بنات العم.
How do you pronounce it?
abna' al-'amm
Did you know?
- In many Arabic dialects, if you call a stranger ابن العم, it might be intended as a term of endearment or solidarity rather than a literal claim of kinship.
- Historically, in various Arabic societies, the paternal cousins أبناء العم were the primary candidates for arranged marriages to keep property and lineage within the family.
- In many Arabic speaking cultures, the term العم used in أبناء العم is sometimes used to address any older man as a sign of respect, even if he is not a blood relative.
Examples in context
- أبناء العم سيأتون إلى الحفلة.Abna' al-'amm sayata'una ilal hafla.The cousins will come to the party.
Example conversation
Nour and Ahmed are talking about a family gathering.
- نور Nourهل سيأتي أبناء العم اليوم؟Hal sayati abna' al-amm al-yawm?Will the cousins come today?
- أحمد Ahmedنعم، سيصلون في المساء.Na'am, sayasiluna fil-masa'.Yes, they will arrive in the evening.
- نور Nourهذا رائع، سأجهز الحلويات.Hadha ra'i', sa'ujahhizu al-halawiyat.That's great, I will prepare the sweets.
- أحمد Ahmedسيفرح أبناء العم بذلك.Sayafrahu abna' al-amm bidhalik.The cousins will be happy with that.
